Reagan National Airport installs new radar following fatal midair collision

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has installed the SMR-4 Surface Movement Radar system to enhance aviation safety. The technology is designed to assist air traffic controllers in identifying aircraft and vehicles on runways and taxiways, particularly during periods of low visibility or poor weather conditions.

This safety upgrade follows a fatal midair collision on January 29, 2025, involving a PSA Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The accident resulted in 67 deaths, including 64 passengers from the commercial flight and three individuals from the helicopter. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) previously identified systemic failures in airspace design, safety oversight, and risk management by the FAA and the Army as contributing factors to the tragedy.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the installation, noting that the system provides controllers with a “clearer portrait” of airport activity. The Department of Transportation has committed $30.5 million toward safety and technology improvements at Reagan National over the next three years. Reagan National is the fifth airport to adopt this specific radar technology.